Least Concern Birds

Marico Sunbird

Cinnyris mariquensis

Marico Sunbird feeds on nectar and insects in African savannas and open woodlands.

Scientific name	Cinnyris mariquensis
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Nectariniidae
Size	Male: body length approximately 12-14 cm, weight about 8-12 g; female: slightly smaller body length, slightly lighter weight

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How to identify

Male has a glossy metallic green head and back; chest and abdomen are bright orange-red; wings and tail are dark; female coloration is duller, mainly gray-brown; bill is long and curved, adapted for nectar feeding

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, shrubs, valleys, and open forest areas

Diet

Primarily feeds on nectar, also preys on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, northern South Africa, and Mozambique; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region

How to spot it

Search in flower-rich shrubs or open woodland savanna; best photographed in soft light during early morning and late afternoon; use telephoto lens to capture nectar feeding moments

Photography tips

Recommended to use high-speed continuous shooting mode to capture flight and feeding actions; choose natural floral backgrounds and use natural light to highlight plumage gloss

Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation, especially due to agricultural expansion and human activities

Similar species

Similar to other species of the genus Cinnyris, such as the Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus); differs in that the male Marico Sunbird has a brighter orange-red chest and abdomen and is slightly larger in size

📖 how to spot the marico sunbird on safari